Diversity and Inclusion

Monday, Feb. 26 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Wriston Auditorium

Come listen to our faculty and staff discuss the importance of Black History in the United States. We look forward to this discussion and to hear questions from all of you.  

• Moderator: Anna Ponder, VP for University Advancement
• Panelists:
  • Carla Daughtry, Associate Professor of Anthropology
  • Betsy Schlabach, Associate Professor of History
  • Jerald Podair, Professor of History and Robert S. French Professor of American Studies

Thursday, Jan. 18 | 7 p.m.
Harper Hall

Acclaimed poet Paul Tran is the author of the debut poetry collection, All the Flowers Kneeling (Penguin, 2022), winner of the California Independent Bookseller Association Golden Poppy Award and Wisconsin Library Association Poetry Award, finalist for the PEN Open Book Award, Lambda Literary Foundation Transgender Poetry Award, and the Kate Tufts Discovery Award, and named “Editor’s Choice” by The New York Times, “Best Book of 2022” by The New Yorker, and “Books We Love” by NPR. Paul is an Assistant Professor of English and Asian American Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Sponsored by the Mia Paul Poetry Fund, IDEAS, and SHARE

Read more about Paul Tran

Monday, January 15 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Lawrence University is excited to host the 33rd Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Hear from:

• Keynote Speaker Cainan Davenport | “We Have A Dream”
• Highlight Speaker Dr. Adriana McCleer

With musical performances from:

• NOIR | Lawrence University student group
• Star Scholars | Music & Poetry

Also featuring the presentation of Jane LaChapelle McCarty Unity in Diversity MLK Community Leader and MLK Educator awards:

• The MLK Committee is accepting nominations for these awards. More information can be found on this form.
• The deadline to submit nominations is Sunday, Dec. 17.
• Questions? Email lissette.cruz-jimenez@lawrence.edu.

Thank you to our sponsors!

• People of Progression
• Appleton Area School District
• United Way Fox Cities
• Boys & Girls Club of the Fox Valley
• City of Appleton

Help support the future of the Fox Cities MLK Celebration!

The Fox Cities MLK Committee (a group of passionate and experienced community members and leaders from non-profit organizations and schools) are proud to plan and host the 33rd Annual Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration.

This free community event is successful largely thanks to donations made by you, our community! All funds will be used only for the annual MLK Day celebration.

Thank you for your support!

Donate to the Fox Cities MLK Celebration

About Cainan

Cainan Davenport, affectionately known as “K” within the community he serves, is the co-owner of Taperz Barber Shop and the co-founder of People of Progression. He has dedicated his career to being a community business professional, committed to making a positive impact in the areas that need it most.

A proud Army military veteran, Cainan served as a Combat Medic, gaining skills that now fuel his efforts to foster unity and collaboration within the Appleton community for over 15 years.

Cainan’s community initiatives are nothing short of inspiring. He is the force behind the Appleton Back to School Block Party. Additionally, he actively participates in Jefferson Elementary School’s Back to School Bash.

As a testament to his belief that bringing like-minded individuals together, Cainan was honored with the MLK Community Leader Award in 2023.

In 2007, Cainan opened “Komplexions Barber Shop,” Appleton’s first black-owned barbershop and later established “Taperz Barbershop.” Despite the challenges faced as a minority business owner, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, he continues to lead various community events, turning Taperz into a hub for all people in the Fox Valley, particularly those of color.

As the Vice President of Generational Guidance Group, a local organization supporting kids in the Fox Valley, Cainan actively contributes to events that build character, teach teamwork, and
boost self-esteem.

Recognizing additional needs in the community, Cainan created Taperz Talks, providing a safe space to discuss life grievance. His barbershop serves as a haven during off hours for open forums, fostering open conversations within the community. His constant goal is to bring like-minded individuals together to actively work on solutions, creating a stronger and more empowered community.

About Dr. Adriana McCleer

Adriana McCleer, Ph.D., is the Community Partnerships Supervisor at Appleton Public Library, where she oversees programs, community engagement, outreach, and partnerships related to teens and adults.

Adriana’s approach to librarianship is asset-based, collaborative, and community-centered, so engagement in local initiatives is central to her work. She is the chair of Casa Hispana, Inc. Board of Directors, event chair for Latino Fest, a member of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s NEW PAC and supports various local programs and projects.

Thursday, Nov. 9 | 7-9 p.m.
Diversity & Intercultural Center

Let’s Eat! Join us and help create family, community, and memories for students to take home with them at this year’s Queer Potluck.

Queer Potluck is a time for our LGBTQ+, faculty, staff, and the LU community/families to come together, pitch in, and to help us provide for our students before they leave for winter break.

Everyone is welcome. Everyone can bring a dish. We only ask that everyone come with love and dignity toward queer people in their hearts and words and actions and that LGBTQ+ students be given pride of place.

Sign up to bring a dish to pass

Presented by the I.D.E.A.S. Division, Diversity and Intercultural Center (D&IC) and Lawrence University Native Alliance (LUNA)

Corn Husk Doll Making
Tuesday, Nov. 7 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Diversity & Intercultural Center

Join us in a captivating workshop where you can delve into the world of Oneida traditions. Discover the significance of the Oneida’s traditional white corn, still grown within their community today. Uncover the fascinating story behind why the corn husk doll has no face, and engage in a hands-on experience crafting your very own corn husk doll to take home as a memento of your enriching journey.

Register for the corn husk doll workshop. (Space is limited.)

Storytelling with Weeya Calif
Monday, Nov. 13 | 5-6:30 p.m.
Diversity & Intercultural Center

Come listen to traditional stories told by Weeya Calif, a member of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama. Weeya is a professional artist, art educator, and storyteller. She comes from a long line of oral storytellers and dresses in authentic 18th century clothing. Her stories have been passed down through many generations and teach important lessons, ways of life, and how things came to be. Indigenous food will be provided after the event.

Register for the Storytelling event.

Beaded Porcupine Quill Earrings
Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Memorial Hall 105

Join us in this fun and creative workshop where you will learn about Indigenous cultures and the use of porcupine quills in various applications. While learning about the culture, you will also create your own pair of beaded quill work earrings that you can wear yourself or gift to someone.

Register for the porcupine quill earrings workshop. (Space is limited.)

“Enacting a Justice-centered Language Curriculum”

Friday, Nov. 3 | 4:30-6 p.m.
Main Hall 201

Dr. Randolph is an assistant professor of World Language Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and president-elect of ACFLT. His research and teaching focus on various critical issues in language education, including teaching Spanish to heritage and native speakers, incorporating justice-oriented/anti-racist/anti-colonial pedagogies, and centering Blackness and Indigenousness.